The earliest basketry in southern Europe: Hunter-gatherer and farmer plant-based technology in Cueva de los Murciélagos (Albuñol).

Plant material culture can offer unique insights into the ways of life of prehistoric societies; however, its perishable nature has prevented a thorough understanding of its diverse and complex uses. Sites with exceptional preservation of organic materials provide a unique opportunity for further research. The burial site of Cueva de los Murciélagos in southern Iberia, uncovered during 19th-century mining activities, contained the best-preserved hunter-gatherer basketry in southern Europe, together with other unique organic artifacts associated with the first farming communities, such as sandals and a wooden hammer. We present 14 14C dates for the perishable artifacts (N = 76), situating the assemblage between the Early and Middle Holocene (c. 7500 to 4200 cal BCE). Our integrated analysis includes raw material determination and technological and chrono-cultural contextualization of this unique and important set of materials.

Clove essential oil emulsion-filled cellulose nanofiber hydrogel produced by high-intensity ultrasound technology for tissue engineering applications.

High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) was used to produce emulsion-filled cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogel using clove essential oil (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%) as dispersed phase towards tissue engineering applications. The novel encapsulating systems obtained using HIUS specific energy at the levels of 0.10, 0.17, and 0.24 kJ/g were characterized by oil entrapment efficiency, microstructure, water retention value, color parameters, and viscoelastic properties. Freeze-dried emulsion-filled CNF hydrogels were characterized by porosity and swelling capacity. In addition, human gingival fibroblast cell cytocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate their potential applications as tissue engineering scaffold. The clove essential oil content strongly affected the oil entrapment efficiency, water retention value, color difference and whiteness of the prepared emulsion-filled CNF hydrogel. And, the HIUS energy only affected the yellowness of the emulsion-filled CNF hydrogel. Via HIUS processing, the CNF hydrogel successfully acted as a continuous phase in the emulsion-filled gel system with maximum oil entrapment efficiency of 34% when 0.5 wt% clove essential oil was added to the system. The encapsulating systems had predominantly gel-like property with maximum elastic modulus of 411 Pa. Furthermore, the emulsion-filled CNF hydrogels with the addition of clove essential oil up to 0.5 wt% indicated good cell viability rates (74-101%) to human gingival fibroblast cells. The newly developed clove essential oil emulsion-filled CNF hydrogel shows desirable cytocompatibility characteristics and can be considered as an alternative scaffold for tissue engineering applications.

High-intensity ultrasound-assisted formation of cellulose nanofiber scaffold with low and high lignin content and their cytocompatibility with gingival fibroblast cells.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogels with low lignin (8%) (LL-CNF) and high lignin (18%) (HL-CNF) content were produced at nominal powers of 240, 720 and 1200 W using high-intensity ultrasound technology (HIUS). Freeze-dried CNF hydrogels were evaluated as scaffolds for gingival fibroblast cells proliferation aiming biomedical applications. HIUS processing improved the dispersibility of the CNF and increased the water retention value by more than 5 times. The LL-CNF had a maximum fibrillation yield of 46 wt.%, whereas the HL-CNF had a maximum fibrillation yield of 40 wt.% at nominal power of ≥720 W. Regardless of the lignin content, the CNF hydrogels exhibited a typical elastic gel-like behavior with the highest elasticity of 263 Pa. After freeze-drying, the CNF aerogels had porosity ≥ 96.8%, and swelling capacity up to 42.1 g PBS/g aerogel. Moreover, the cell proliferation assay showed no differences in proliferation among the LL-CNF and HL-CNF scaffolds up to 11 days. Therefore, CNF scaffolds prepared with lignin content up to 18% present promising application in the biomedical field.

A comparison of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and two bioelectrical impedance analyzers to measure body fat percentage and fat-free mass index in a group of Mexican young women.

INTRODUCTION: Studies of obesity require the estimation of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM); therefore it is important to validate methods that evaluate these measurements. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare two different bioelectrical impedance analysis systems (BIAs) to estimate FM and FFM using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional design. We evaluated FM and FFM using DXA and two types of BIA equipment: a foot-foot system (FFS) and a hand-foot system (HFS). We conducted paired analysis (paired ttest). We used Bland-Altman plots to assess the relationships between FM and FFMI, limits of agreement were constructed (CL). RESULTS: A total of 175 female students (22.9 ± 2.2 years old) participated in the study. The paired analysis showed significant differences between the mean value of body fat percentage (BF%) estimated by BIA equipment compared to DXA (FFS = 28.7%, HFS= 34.4% and DXA= 35.3%). The mean difference between the HFS and DXA of BF% was -0.96, ((CL -5.29, 7.20). For the FFS, the mean difference was -6.69, (CL -0.29, -13.09). The paired analysis revealed significant differences between the estimates of FFMI by BIA compared to DXA (FFS =16.29, HFS =14.95, DXA =14.18). The mean difference between HFS and DXA was 0.78, and (CL -2.27, 0.72) whereas the FFS mean difference was -2.11 (CL -3.73 -0.49). CONCLUSION: A different magnitude of bias was observed between the BIA equipment arrays. The HFS appears to be more reliable than the FFS used, particularly in obtaining FFMI in young women.

Introducción: Los estudios de obesidad requieren estimación de masa grasa (FM) y masa libre de grasa (FFM). Objetivo: Comparar dos equipos de impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA) para estimar FM y FFM usando absorciometría de rayos X de energía dual (DXA) como referencia. Métodos: Estudio transversal. FM y FFM fueron evaluados por DXA y BIA: sistema pie-pie (FFS) y sistema mano-pie (HFS). Se realizaron pruebas t pareadas, coeficientes de correlación y análisis de Bland y Altman. Limites de acuerdo fueron calculados (CL). Resultados: Fueron estudiadas 175 mujeres (22,9 ± 2,2 años). Hubo diferencias significativas entre el promedio del porcentaje de grasa estimado por los equipos de BIA en comparación con DXA (FFS = 28,7%, HFS = 34,4% y DXA = 35,3%). La diferencia de medias del porcentaje de grasa entre HFS y DXA fue -0.96, (CL -5,29, 7,21). La diferencia de medias para FFS fue de -6,69,(CL -0,29, - 13.09) Hubo diferencias significativas entre las estimaciones de FFMI por BIA y DXA (FFS = 16,29, HFS = 14,95, DXA = 14,18). La diferencia de medias entre HFS y DXA fue = 0,78, (CL -2,27, 0,72) y la diferencia de medias de FFS fue -2,11: (CL -3,73 , -0,49). Conclusiones: Niveles diferentes de sesgo se observaron entre los equipos de BIA. El HFS parece ser más confiable que el FFS, sobre todo en la obtención de FFMI en mujeres jóvenes.

A comparison of dual energy X- ray absorptiometry and two bioelectrical impedance analyzers to measure body fat percentage and fat-free mass index in a group of Mexican young women / Comparación de la absorciometría de rayos x de energía dual y dos analizadores de impedancia bioeléctrica para medir el porcentaje de grasa corporal y el índice de masa libre de grasa en un grupo de mujeres jóvenes mexicanas

Introduction: Studies of obesity require the estimation of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM); therefore it is important to validate methods that evaluate these measurements. Objective: We sought to compare two different bioelectrical impedance analysis systems (BIAs) to estimate FM and FFM using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design. We evaluated FM and FFM using DXA and two types of BIA equipment: a foot-foot system (FFS) and a hand-foot system (HFS). We conducted paired analysis (paired t test). We used Bland-Altman plots to assess the relationships between FM and FFMI, limits of agreement were constructed (CL) Results: A total of 175 female students (22.9 ± 2.2 years old) participated in the study. The paired analysis showed significant differences between the mean value of body fat percentage (BF %) estimated by BIA equipment compared to DXA (FFS = 28.7%, HFS= 34.4% and DXA= 35.3%). The mean difference between the HFS and DXA of BF % was -0.96, ((CL -5.29, 7.20). For the FFS, the mean difference was -6.69, (CL -0.29, -13.09). The paired analysis revealed significant differences between the estimates of FFMI by BIA compared to DXA (FFS =16.29, HFS =14.95, DXA =14.18). The mean difference between HFS and DXA was 0.78, and (CL -2.27, 0.72) whereas the FFS mean difference was -2.11 (CL -3.73 -0.49). Conclusion: A different magnitude of bias was observed between the BIA equipment arrays. The HFS appears to be more reliable than the FFS used, particularly in obtaining FFMI in young women (AU)

Introducción: Los estudios de obesidad requieren estimación de masa grasa (FM) y masa libre de grasa (FFM). Objetivo: Comparar dos equipos de impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA) para estimar FM y FFM usando absorciometría de rayos X de energía dual (DXA) como referencia. Métodos: Estudio transversal. FM y FFM fueron evaluados por DXA y BIA: sistema pie-pie (FFS) y sistema mano-pie (HFS). Se realizaron pruebas t pareadas, coeficientes de correlación y análisis de Bland y Altman. Limites de acuerdo fueron calculados (CL). Resultados: Fueron estudiadas 175 mujeres (22,9 ± 2,2 años). Hubo diferencias significativas entre el promedio del porcentaje de grasa estimado por los equipos de BIA en comparación con DXA (FFS = 28,7%, HFS = 34,4% y DXA = 35,3%). La diferencia de medias del porcentaje de grasa entre HFS y DXA fue -0.96, (CL -5,29, 7,21). La diferencia de medias para FFS fue de -6,69,(CL -0,29, - 13.09) Hubo diferencias significativas entre las estimaciones de FFMI por BIA y DXA (FFS = 16,29, HFS = 14,95, DXA = 14,18). La diferencia de medias entre HFS y DXA fue = 0,78, (CL -2,27, 0,72) y la diferencia de medias de FFS fue -2,11: (CL -3,73, -0,49). Conclusiones: Niveles diferentes de sesgo se observaron entre los equipos de BIA. El HFS parece ser más confiable que el FFS, sobre todo en la obtención de FFMI en mujeres jóvenes (AU)

Validez de una ecuación basada en antropometría para estimar la grasa corporal en adultos mayores / Validity of an equation based on anthropometry to estimate body fat in older adults

Se diseñó y validó una ecuación de predicción basada en antropometría para estimar la masa grasa en adultos mayores, usando como método de referencia el modelo de 4 compartimientos (AC). Se incluyeron 202 sujetos = 60 años. Se midió el agua corporal total por dilución con oxido de deuterio, contenido mineral óseo por DEXA y la densidad corporal por pletismografñia de desplazamiento de aire. Para el diseño y validación la muestra se dividió aleatoriamente. En la sub-muestra uno se generaron los modelos de predicción de la masa grasa, los cuales se aplicaron en la sub-muestra dos. La exactitud y precisión se probó por análisis de regresión simple y el sesgo mediante la prueba de Bland y Atman y regresión lineal simple. La ecuación incluyó peso corporal, sexo, pliegue del tríceps y pantorrilla; con una R², un error estándar del estimador y el estadístico de Mallow (Cp) de 0.86,3.2, respectivamente. En la sub-muestra dos se observó equivalencia entre los métodos, con un intercepto no estadísticamente diferente de cero (p>0.05) y pendiente diferente de cero (p<0.05) o similar a 1. La ecuación explicó un 86 por ciento de la varianza de la media de la masa grasa determinada por el modelo de 4C, asimismono presentó sesgo significativo tanto en la muestra total y por sexo. La ecuación generada puede ser de gran utilidad para estimar la composición corporal de adultos mayores con características similares al grupo estudiado, utilizando mediciones antropométricas simples de medir. Así mismo puede ser aplicada en estudio clínicos y epidemiológicos en este grupo poblacional.

[Validity of an equation based on anthropometry to estimate body fat in older adults]. / Validez de una ecuación basada en antropometría para estimar la grasa corporal en adultos mayores.

A prediction equation to estimate body fat mass from skinfold thickness for healthy elderly was developed using a four compartmental (4C) model as criterion method. This study included 202 subjects = 60 y old. The measurements of total body water, bone mineral content and body density were included in the 4C model equation. Total sample was randomly partitioned. Sub-sample one was used to design the equations, which were applied in sub-sample two. Its accuracy and precision was evaluated by lineal regression analysis and the bias by Bland and Altman analysis and simple lineal regression. The best model included body mass, sex and the calf and triceps skinfolds thicknesses, with an R2, standard error of the estimate and Cp of 0.85, 3.2 and 3.2, respectively. When the equation was applied in sub-sample two, it was accurate and precise, it showed no significant deviation from the line of identity (the intercept was no significantly different from zero, P>0.05), and slope was different from cero (or similar to 1) (P<0.05). Fat mass by the equation accounted for 86% of the variability of the mean fat mass estimated by the 4C model, having a low standard error of the estimate (3.2 kg) and low pure error (3.1 kg). The new equation was accurate and precise as well as free of significant bias in men and women together and for separately. This equation can be a good option to estimate fat mass in elderly men and women with similar physical characteristics to subjects of this study, and it can be used in clinical and epidemiological studies in this growing group.

Population dynamics of the constitutive biota of French dry sausages in a pilot-scale ripening chamber.

The population dynamic of constitutive biota on 84 samples belonging to two different types of French fermented dry sausages during the ripening process in a pilot-scale ripening chamber was investigated. Samples were analyzed in three steps of their production: fresh product, first drying stage, and finished product. In addition, 180 strains of lactic acid bacteria were identified using a miniaturized biochemical procedure of characterization. In general, the number of lactic acid bacteria that evolved during the ripening process of French dry sausages increased during the first days of the process after which the number of these organisms remained constant at approximately 8 log CFU/g. Lactobacillus sakei and Pediococcus pentosaceus, bacteria added as starter, were the dominant species. Pediococcus urinaeequi, Pediococcus acidilactici, and particularly Lactobacillus curvatus were also present. Finally, we have to take into account that the controlled conditions of the pilot plant generally contribute to the homogenization of the behavior of the starter biota.

Interaction of pubertal status, mood and self-esteem in adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between pubertal status, mood and self-esteem in adolescent girls. STUDY DESIGN: The symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, stress perception and self-esteem in 971 girls from 8 to 16 years old were evaluated. The girls' pubertal stage was assigned according to Tanner staging. With the ANOVA test, the mean scores of the psychological symptoms were correlated with the girls' pubertal development. RESULTS: The mean age of the girls was 12.5 +/- 2.4, years (mean +/- SD). Three percent of them had symptoms of severe depression, 2.1% had symptoms of severe anxiety, and 20% demonstrated severe stress perception. The symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress perception were highest in girls at Tanner stage V (P < .001). However, the girls' self-esteem decreased as the Tanner stage increased (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The girls' pubertal development was associated with higher scores on depression, anxiety and stress perception and with poor self-esteem. These results may be explained by the modulating effect of sexual hormones on the girls' central nervous system.

Tratamiento de los trastornos de la fertilidad antes de las técnicas de reproducción asistida / Infertility treatment before reproductive technology

La prevalencia de los trastornos de la fertilidad está creciendo en años recientes, pero los servicios médicos para la atención de estos problemas no se encuentran al alcance de la mayor parte de las parejas que los necesitan. El pronóstico para la fertilidad es importante para conocer la capacidad de resolución terapéutica de cada servicio y para seleccionar las parejas que pueden tratarse en un nivel primario de atención, o para considerar su remisión a niveles superiores de tecnología reproductiva. En la práctica estos trastornos se están tratando en los primeros niveles de atención médica y las técnicas de reproducción asistida sólo son accesibles para un pequeño sector de la población. En general, los planes de seguros médicos no reconocen directamente los tratamientos para estos problemas, pero cubren veladamente algunos procedimientos terapéuticos para la fertilidad.

El papel actual del tratamiento tradicional de la esterilidad frente a las nuevas técnicas de reproducción asistida / Current role infertility traditional treatment in front of the new assited reproductive techniques

La prevalencia de los trastornos de la fertilidad está creciendo en años recientes, pero los servicios médicos para la atención de estos problemas no se encuentran al alcance de la mayor parte de las parejas que los necesitan. El pronóstico sobre la fertilidad es importante para conocer la capacidad de resolución terapéutica de cada servicio y para seleccionar las parejas que pueden tratarse en un nivel primario de atención, o para considerar su remisión a centros de nivel III con tecnología reproductiva. En la práctica estos trastornos se están tratando en los primeros niveles de atención médica y las técnicas de reproducción asistida solo son accesibles para un pequeño sector de la población. En general, los planes d seguros médicos no reconocen directamente los tratamientos para estos problemas, pero cubren veladamente algunos procedimientos terapéuticos para la fertilidad